Qantas Prepares to Launch World's Longest Nonstop Flight: Project Sunrise

Qantas Airways Ltd. will launch nonstop service between Sydney (SYD) and London (LHR) in October 2027, using twelve Airbus A350-1000 ULR aircraft. The route spans 10,573 miles (17,015 km) and will last 19–22 hours.

New Longest Flight Will Last Up To 22 Hours On Qantas Sydney To London Route

Project Sunrise began in 2017 as Qantas sought a jet for nonstop Australia-Europe or US routes. Sydney–London service stops in Singapore and lasts 23 hours. The A350-1000ULR adds a rear centre fuel tank (+20,000 L) and Trent XWB-97 engines, extending range by three hours.

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The ULR seats 238: six First suites, 52 Business, 40 Premium-Economy and 140 Economy. Economy pitch ranges from 32 inches rear to 34 inches in an “Economy Plus” area, with 33 inches centrally. A Wellbeing Zone provides a movement area and hydration station. Lighting follows circadian cues, meals align with time zone, and a digital planner coordinates rest.

New Longest Flight Will Last Up To 22 Hours On Qantas Sydney To London Route

CEO Vanessa Hudson said Qantas has “studied the impact of long-haul travel on the body, the impact of jet lag on the body” and that research data are built into service. She said wellness zone and lighting program aim to “make a difference.” It says nonstop will cut up to four hours and fares will be 20 % higher than one-stop flights.

Bloomberg

Observers note Qantas promised a 33-inch economy pitch, as former CEO Alan Joyce said. Adding a 32-inch rear section is seen as a backtrack, raising concerns that economy passengers on a 20-plus-hour flight may face reduced comfort if they cannot afford the “Economy Plus” upgrade.

Qantas Takes Away Legroom On World’s Longest Flight, Going Back On Promise

Flight estimates range from “well over 20 hours” to a 19-22 hour window; Singapore–New York is 19 hours. Seat-pitch promises differ: early statements advertised 33 inches for all economy seats, later data show a mix of 32-, 33- and 34-inch sections. No source clarifies which configuration will dominate.

Qantas Takes Away Legroom On World’s Longest Flight, Going Back On Promise

Eliminating a layover shortens travel time, appealing to business travelers willing to pay a premium. However, reduced seat count, premium-heavy mix and limited cargo capacity raise operating-cost challenges, testing if passenger willingness to pay outweighs economics of ultra-long-haul service.

Bloomberg

Ticket sales start Feb 2027; inaugural flight slated for Oct 2027, with a later Sydney–New York nonstop planned.

New Longest Flight Will Last Up To 22 Hours On Qantas Sydney To London Route

• “Economy travellers will have an OLED 13-inch TV screen, foot net and convenient storage space within arms’ reach to store glasses and personal items. The team has spent extensive time testing ergonomics, lumbar support and breathability of the seat fabrics in the new Economy seat which will have 33 inches of legroom.” — Alan Joyce, former Qantas CEO

Qantas Takes Away Legroom On World’s Longest Flight, Going Back On Promise

• “We have studied the impact of long-haul travel on the body, the impact of jet lag on the body,” — Vanessa Hudson, Qantas CEO

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• “We’ve absolutely got data that we have incorporated into our service and experience that make a difference.” — Vanessa Hudson, Qantas CEO

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• “It’s not something that we’ve just started recently,” — Vanessa Hudson, Qantas CEO

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